Talking TalesTheatre by the Lake’s Oral History ProjectAn intergenerational community project in partnership with theFriends of Theatre by the Lake

On behalf of the Friends of Theatre by the Lake, Theatre by the Lake’sCreative Practitioner, Jenn Mattinson worked with young people and adultvolunteers in 2013/14 on a year-long oral history project. Talking Talestrained a group of eight young volunteers to record, conserve and sharethe memories of those who contributed towards the development oftheatre in Keswick over the last 50 years.  The young people involved inTalking Tales learnt a number of skills throughout the course of the project:

• Interviewing; • Sound recording, editing and production; • Finding out about oral history, the history of Century Theatre and

Theatre by the Lake;• Taking part in Silver Arts Award (a Level 2 qualification encouraging

arts practice and leadership); • Illustration skills and how this can be used to interpret people’s memories;• That all important life skill of ‘communicating across the generations’.

Communicating across the generationsBetween February – July 2014 Talking Tales became intergenerational. Theeight young people involved in the project worked closely with eight adultvolunteers (who we called our ‘Creative Committee’) who all had a verypersonal connection to theatre in Keswick. Participants spent their Mondayevenings getting to know each other and taking part in a range of activities:

• Stories, old and new, were shared; • Theatre memories were founded, re-ignited and represented through a

series of theatre techniques including physical action and freeze frames;• Friendships emerged and new connections were made;• A ‘whole load of art’ happened with local illustrator Celia Burbush;• At the end of the process the young people interviewed the adult volunteers;• We laughed, cried and went to the theatre.

A History of Theatre in Keswick 1952 – 2014

‘I’ve loved every bit of the sessions.Something I haven’t done before,quite unique and a really goodexperience.  A Silver Arts Award isalso of huge benefit and can helpyou in the future.’  Michael, a young volunteer

Documenting the processDuring the summer of 2014, Talking Tales hosted an exhibition in theFriends' and Circle Galleries at Theatre by the Lake. The exhibitionintroduced the community engagement aspect of the project, and includedlots of photographs and oral histories. The story of Keswick’s theatrehistory was presented through an 8 metre long timeline, created using theoral histories gathered during the project and from Keswick Museum andArt Gallery’s ‘Lindsay Temple Archive’ – theatre memorabilia, includingphotographs, letters and theatre programmes collected by Lindsay Temple.

An integral part of this oral history project was the community aspect. We commissioned local filmmaker Joel Baker to make a shortdocumentary, showing how Talking Tales engaged with members of thecommunity in a number of different ways. Joel filmed a collection of theweekly sessions and interviewed the artists and participants involved: www.youtube.com/tbtlake1

Talking Tales kept a blog, demonstrating some of the project activities andoral histories that were collected: http://talkingtalesproject.wordpress.com

Over 50 oral histories were recorded as part of the Talking Tales project.They can be found online at www.aohg.org.uk and at Carlisle Archive Centre.

For more information please contact Jenn Mattinson on 01900 870 111 or email jenn.mattinson@theatrebythelake.com ‘Talking Tales began as a very small

seed of an idea in my head. It’s beenfantastic to be given the opportunityto bring the project to life and towork with such dedicated, vibrantmembers of the community.’ Jenn, TBTL Creative Practitionerand Talking Tales Project Manager

‘Talking Tales has been challenging,varied and interesting. I’ve enjoyedthe informal but purposefulstructure and the variety of activities- the conversations, art andinterviews. It has been an interestingvoyage of discovery.’ Derek, an adult volunteer

A History of Theatre in Keswick 1952 – 2014

“I don’t know how you ever thank something so magical thathas the power to sweep you up, take you along in its creativespirit and give you such pleasure over so many years…I thankmy lucky stars that I was able, and am able to enjoy it somuch.” Mary Gay Pearson

1950s1952Century Theatre, a travelling theatre with 225seats, takes to the roads of Britain with aproduction of Shakespeare’s Othello. The theatrehas been designed and created by John Ridleyand Wilfred Harrison.

1959Local amateur group Keswick Theatre Clubfounded.

“It was a section of one’s young life that was quite special. Istill dream sometimes of putting Century Theatre up on someawkward site. It’s still there in the back of my mind.” Hilary Young

1960s1961Century Theatre arrives inKeswick for the very first‘Keswick Theatre Festival’.

1962 Kate Lansbury arrives in Keswick as Assistant Wardrobe Mistressfor the second Keswick Theatre Festival. A fellow femaleperformer decides the set-up is not for her and takes off, leavingKate as the leading actress for the Summer Season.

1962 An extract from a letter sent by Century Theatre to all newmembers of staff:

“It is now settled and consolidated in Keswick on a fine site; outsideit looks attractively Heath Robinson, inside like a normal Playhouse…Everyone is being paid the same – actors, carpenters, manager,producer – all at a rate calculated to cover all board and lodgingexpenses, plus £5…This is part of the shared-responsibility, ensemblething…We venture to think it is going to be one of the mostinteresting experiments going on in the theatre at the moment.”

“I haven’t come across anything remotely like it in my entirelife…you never knew what was coming next. It was anexperience that used every bit of you…fun is totally the wrongadjective. Worthwhile, yes!” Chris Arthur, Scenic Designer forCentury Theatre, 1961

This is the story of Keswick’s theatre history from 1952 – 2014,told through the memories of volunteers, friends, fundraisersand followers who generously gave up their time to be involved in the Talking Tales project:

1965 Kate Webster joins Century Theatre as Secretary, her first summerjob at the age of 17. She remembers her interview conducted byGeneral Manager Hilary Young. She nervously walked into the pokeylittle caravan, Hilary looked up and said “take your coat off, you canstart now”. On windy days, Kate had to put two bricks either side ofher typewriter to stop it from falling off the desk.

1965 Actor Colin Skipp (who’s recently retired from BBC Radio 4’s TheArchers) sneaks off one morning to marry Wardrobe Mistress SylviaRosson at Cockermouth Registry Office. They deliver a rather ‘highspirited’ performance that evening.

1964 First mention of a permanent building to replaceCentury Theatre in Keswick.

1968Toad of Toad Hall is performed by local amateurs ‘Experiments inEntertainment’ at the Lairthwaite Centre. Meryll Evans, well knownfor her artistic skill and flair for design, makes animal masks for theproduction and produces drawings for the programme.

“As soon as I heard about an amateur dramatic society in Keswick Ijoined it. It helped me with homesickness for Kenya in a way. This wassomething new, working with big brushes…I just loved everythingabout it. I loved the backcloths, the smell of the paint and theatmosphere backstage, and the fun we had. It was a very happytime.” Meryll Evans

“You could hear the dogs barking, the sheep bleating, the rain on the roof and some of the rain came through the roof.Row F was always wet.” Edward Thompson

Century Theatre in Keswick, 1964.

Actors from 1965 including Colin Skipp (back row furthest right) and Sylvia Rosson (front row furthest left)

“Our hearts would always lift when we arrived in Keswick, firstby train and then by car, first with the children and then by ourselves.” Doreen Mapleson

Century Theatre developed its ‘Blue Box’ nickname because ofthe donated ‘Chelsea blue’ gloss paint.

“It was like a biscuit tin. An oven in the summer and an icebox in the winter. We nearly all froze on one production weput on in the winter.” Doreen Wilkinson, a regular theatregoer and amateur performer remembers what it was likeinside Century Theatre.

1970s1971 Local amateur group Keswick AmateurOperatic Society (KAOS) is formed.

1976Lola Foster performs in Rock-a-bye, Sailor!with Cockermouth Amateur DramaticSociety (CADS).

“One night it was pouring down and wegot locked out of our caravan which wasour dressing room, so we had to run acrossthe car park to the stage…someone wasstanding outside with a brolly to help us.”

1978 A local public meeting leads to the formation of‘Friends of the Century Theatre’ to raise moneyto build a permanent theatre in Keswick.

1978 Century Theatre’s annual report talks about the vital role of localvolunteers.

“The Theatre is greatly indebted to local volunteers who haveassisted with the practical work. As the theatre is integratingwith the Keswick community, local volunteers are replacing theold volunteer moving parties who came from afar to maintainthe theatre.”

1975 Century Theatre, having failed its MOT anddeemed unfit to travel on the roads of Britain,comes to rest in Keswick. With its wheels fixedon one site, it becomes more affectionatelyknown as the Blue Box.

1976Keswick Theatre Club rehearse during the winter to present theirfirst production inside the Blue Box, The Plotters of Cabbage PatchCorner. Valerie Davies plays an ant.

“Doreen Lee played a maggot and crawled out of a huge appleon stage. During rehearsals icicles hung down into the theatre.We were so cold…I remember throwing tea out of a flask ontothe windscreen of a car to try to thaw it.”

1974

1977 Judi Dench and Michael Williams, lifelong friends of Phil andRosemary Kemp, offer to help raise money “to ensure theatre inKeswick” by performing an extract from The Monstrous Regimentof Women.

1978 Innovative fundraiser George Cheshire begins a seven monthsponsored slim to try to raise much needed funds for CenturyTheatre. On setting himself the challenge, George replies,“Cutting out the chips won’t be particularly difficult but I’m goingto miss those cream cakes”.

1977 Keswick Amateur Operatic Society (KAOS) presents The MagicRocking Chair. This was their first performance inside the Blue Box.Local writer Colin Fleming views this production as his proudesttheatrical achievement.

Phil and Rosemary Kemp with daughterPolly in The Magic Rocking Chair.

During one of Judi Dench and Michael Williams’ fundraisingperformances, an audience member complains that her seatis wet (from the leaking roof). From the stage they calmly lookacross at her and reply, “That is why we are here”.

Lindsay Temple, a wonderful manwho loved theatre and circus alike,devoted his life to theatre inKeswick. He also loved the ballet,inviting several companies fromLondon to perform at CenturyTheatre. Many people rememberthe cramped performanceconditions where dancers had totake a quick look up at the ceilingbefore doing a jump or a lift!

Lindsay Temple (far right)behind Century Theatre’s bar.

1974 Century Theatre poster

“Becoming a volunteer helper at the Blue Box was easy. Allyou needed to do was to look interested and Lindsay Temple,‘Mr Century Theatre’ as he was once called, put you to work.” Brian Wilkinson

Martin Bellarby remembers providing accommodation toCentury Theatre actors. He would take them on the fells in themorning, play chess in the afternoon and watch them perform in the evening.

Volunteering at the Blue Box has lots of perks…explaining tovisitors they have to go outside to use the chemical loos,holding umbrellas out for people in the pouring rain andcarrying tea trays across the car park!

1980sTheatre by the Lake Timeline1952 –2014

1980 Theatre Roundabout write a letter of thanks to Lindsay Templefollowing their recent performance at Century Theatre.

“Most of all, we simply want to tell you how much we admirewhat you are doing. You are obviously giving a great deal of timeand energy to the theatre for no reward except your owninterest and satisfaction. Without the rare sprinkling of peoplelike you, theatre in this country would be in a far worse plightthan it is.”

1981 Keswick Scooter Riots.

On July 31st, vandals latch onto an organised scooter rally. Localnewspaper The Keswick Reminder reports that Cumbria Policeuse riot shields after the hurling of metal bars, fence posts, axesand chains. Century Theatre’s booking office is wrecked and acaravan, used by technician Tom Sharpe, is burned down. MartinJordan remembers:

“We had a grandstand view…we could see the theatre and hearall the noise…we stood guard on the front lawn and my wife gota drum of pepper to throw at anyone that came too close.”

1983 Century Theatredoes Phantom ofthe Opera.

1984 Century YouthTheatre is formed.

1980 KAOS presents Queens of Thieves at CenturyTheatre, sponsored by local businesses so allthe money made through ticket sales can bedonated towards a new theatre in Keswick.

1982 Maintaining a steady income in the theatreworld has always been tough, as this letterdemonstrates (written by a touringcompany after visiting Keswick).

“I must apologise for the delay in sendingyou the rent we promised…The tour wasquite successful artistically, but proved tobe a financial disaster…I hope that you willbear with us.”

1983Keswick Theatre Club in Beyond aJoke by Derek Benfield, starring AnnJordan, Colin Hossack, AngusMcNichol, Valerie Davies and AlanGray.

1989 Keswick Theatre Club performs All things Bright and Beautiful atthe Blue Box.

1982 Century TheatreSummer Season programme.

1991 Lake District Special Planning Board grantsoutline planning permission to build atheatre on the Lakeside site in Keswick.1992

1993 Dave Roberts remembers singing ‘Weare Gentlemen of Japan’ in Gilbert andSullivan’s The Mikado with KAOS.

“We got there for the first night…we gotour call to go on stage and we got therefar too early and the guy behind the barhad four or five drinks lined up for us, sowe all got a drink of beer before we wenton and I’m sure the singing got an awfullot better.”1994

Lord Gowrie, then chairman of the Arts Council,drops in to Keswick by helicopter to report thatthe Arts Council will support a theatreapplication to the new National Lottery. Theapplication is approved two years later, withmatch funding raised through the incredibleefforts of local volunteers – Mike Aldred, EricCoward, Barbara Carter, Judith Hume, the listgoes on…

1994 Keswick Town Council contributes £50,000towards the new theatre development.

1994-5 Tony Clayton forms a Music Hall group, raising funds for a newtheatre.

1994 Tony Doherty, an influential supporter of theatre in Keswick,steps in at the last minute to play the butler in Keswick TheatreClub’s Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime. Sadly, he dies soon after.

1996 The Blue Box waves goodbye to Keswick andgoes into retirement at Snibston DiscoveryMuseum, a few miles from where it wasoriginally built.

Paul Paxon was involved in the takedown of the Blue Box. “It wasthe end of an era for the Blue Box… It was a very nice atmosphere of people coming together to do a job. All the people involved werepeople that’d had some connection with the theatre.”

Hilary Young writes a letter to stalwart volunteers Brian and Doreen Wilkinson:

“I sit here waiting for the low loaders to arrive… We’ve made it bang on time! There were those who doubted that the exercise was possible – let alone that it would happen on schedule. It’s beenpossible largely due to all the splendid effort that you and the othersof our merry band put in. It’s been marvellous to have your support. I hope that you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have.”

1996

1990s

Deterring tramps from taking up residenceunderneath the Blue Box.

Century Theatre at Snibston.

1997 and 1998 Century Theatre Summer Season is staged atRawnsley Hall in Keswick.

Anthony Johnstone helped to transform the former schoolbuilding, along with John Parkinson and Stan Hinde, into atemporary theatre.

“We redecorated everything. The actors’ dressing room was quite adistance away from the stage so we decided to paint a walkway forthem from the dressing room to the stage on the floor with arrowsso they knew which way to go.”

1998 Building work begins and the new theatre isofficially named Theatre by the Lake.

1999Keswick Music Hall becomes the first amateur group to performat the theatre with Music Hall at Theatre by the Lake.

1999Fundraisers from Friends of Theatre by the Lakepresent a donation to Artistic Director Ian Forrest.

“The amazing thing is that from the actual word go there wasno doubt in our mind that a theatre should be built here…sometimes I felt like a grand national jockey, but I think thedifference was at least the jockey has the chance to walk thecourse. The hurdles came up one by one.” Vicky Robinson,Joint Chair of Cumbria Theatre Trust

Passionate theatre supporter Phil Kemp with Judi Dench at theconstruction site.

Vicky Robinson and Graham Lamont (furthest right), Joint Chairs of Cumbria Theatre Trust.

Original Box Office staff members, theatre volunteers andcake bakers Judith Hume and Barbara Carter dress up forthe opening night!

Douglas Cook remembers standing amidst the building work and seeing the construction of the stage “It was a realthrill. It came alive at that moment”.

1999 Theatre by the Lake opens on 19th Augustwith a performance of Charley’s Aunt byBrandon Thomas.

“Theatre by the Lake is such a special theatre. It’s a surrealplace to be, and you can leave your troubles outside.”Gill Scholey

2004 John Stephens starts volunteering behind the scenes at the theatre.

“I was involved in helping to build the sets mainly…one of the mostenjoyable jobs I did as a casual was laying the stage. There wereeight four by four foot sheets of very thick hardboard and we spent avery happy day hammering it all down.”

2007

2012 Theatre by the Lake’s production of The Railway Children will befondly remembered for the surprise entry of a full size train. FletcherSanderson was part of the children’s chorus.

“It was a big step up from youth theatre. I hadn’t been on the mainstage before. I learned to be more confident.”

2004 Keswick Theatre Club performs Off the Rails in the Studio at Theatreby the Lake.

2008 Gill Scholey remembers seeing Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker in theStudio at Theatre by the Lake.

“You felt you could smell this dirty horrible old man and you couldsee the sweat dripping down his chin.”

2010 Front of House volunteers, Carol and Graham Thompson, regardThe Glass Menagerie as one of their favourite Theatre by the Lakeproductions.

2000s

Theatre by the Lake’s production ofOf Mice and Men.

Fletcher, far right, in TheRailway Children.

2013 Friends of Theatre by the Lake receive a grantfrom Heritage Lottery Fund to deliver anintergenerational oral history project calledTalking Tales, conceived by Theatre by the Lake’sCreative Practitioner Jenn Mattinson. 20 13

Keswick Music Hall Company disbands, having raised over £8,000towards the development of theatre in Keswick.

2013 Hugh Walpole’s Rogue Herries, commissioned by a donation fromJudith Johnstone in memory of her mother, takes to the stage atTheatre by the Lake. Aspiring actor Michael Huit is selected toplay the role of Young David in the community chorus.

“I literally leapt for joy. I think it’s the only time I’ve actuallydone that. That’s when I realised I wanted to be an actor. It wasone of the happiest moments in my life.”

2014 Martin Jordan completes a ski challenge, travelling over 50 milesdownhill in Austria in one day, raising money for Theatre by the Lakeprojects with young people.

“It’s something I so believe in, because personally I got so much out of getting involved in being on stage when I was younger.” Martin Jordan

2014 KAOS presents one of their most ambitious productions todate, Singin’ in the Rain.

2014 Patric Gilchrist, Theatre by the Lake’s ExecutiveDirector, and Vicky Robinson, Joint Chair ofCumbria Theatre Trust, are both awarded MBEs.

2014 Theatre by the Lake’s Front of House volunteersreceive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service(QAVS) for their work in assisting visitors at thetheatre and ensuring they have the best possibleexperience. Many volunteers still can’t quitebelieve we have a permanent professionaltheatre in Keswick!

Members of the Community Chorus in Rogue Herries.

The Friends of Theatre by the Lake have donated over£430,000 to the theatre since the curtain rose on the firstshow in 1999.

Supporters:Ambleside Oral History GroupBBC Radio CumbriaBecca WeirBrian and Doreen WilkinsonCarlisle Archive CentreCarol ThompsonCentury TheatreChristine WainmanDerek LawtonDorothy HindEdward ThompsonFriends of Theatre by the LakeGeorge LenoxJenni ListerJudith JohnstoneKeith PattisonKeswick Amateur Operatic SocietyKeswick History GroupKeswick Museum and Art GalleryKeswick Theatre ClubRosemary KempRuth StirrupTheatre by the LakeTheatre RoundaboutThe Cumberland and Westmorland HeraldThe Keswick ReminderThe Lindsay Temple ArchiveValerie Davies

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following organisations andindividuals for making Talking Tales possible:

Funders: